I have decided in the interest of space to downsize my dreams of a 72 scale fleet to 144th scale. Space is at a premium already. If I start building my 72 scale kits somebody is going to have to move out of the house to make room for the sub models.

So after accidentally discovering a treasure trove of 144 scale subs I decided to go for them instead. The models are still a good size. (350 scale you say? Don't make me laugh! My eyes aren't that good.) I just got the Trumpeter Late WWII Gato, the XXIII, and a Revell Atlantic version VIIc.

Any suggestions on painting and weathering? I have seen some great pictures online. But I have yet to see a blow-by-blow example of painting a boat to look real. All I know to do is imitate the pictures I see. But without having any real idea of how the details were created.